HOMEWOOD, Ill. - Last summer, Ember Schuldt produced a career achievement when she qualified for her first U.S. Women's Amateur Championship. Now, the recent Illini grad picked right back up where she left off, qualifying for her second straight championship.

"Very excited to be returning to the Women's Am Championship," said Schuldt. "USGA events are some of the best in the country and I look forward to challenging myself against some of the best amateurs in the country."

The one day tournament was held at the Ravisloe Country Club in Homewood, Illinois, where the top seven places advanced. Schuldt fired off a round of 72 (+2) at the 6,117 yard course, good for a tie for sixth place. The Sterling, Illinois, native recorded a 36 on both the front and back nines.

"I knew that today I would probably need a score around par to contend for a spot, and after the double bogey I knew that I had to birdie on the final holes coming in to put me in position," added Schuldt. "I kept firing at the pins and finally got a birdie to drop on 17."

Schuldt left quite the mark at Illinois, wrapping her stellar four year career in May. Schuldt finished second on the all-time career stroke average list with a 76.36. In her senior campaign, Schuldt was named Second-Team All-Big Ten and became the first three-time NCAA Regionals qualifier.

Three other Illini also tried to advance to the amateur championship via the Ravisloe Country Club qualifier. Pim Thirati, who qualified for the USGA Women's Amateur Public Links Championship in June, was two strokes off on Monday with a round of 74. In addition, soon to be redshirt senior Sam Postillion recorded a 76 (37-39) and incoming freshman Dana Gattone tallied a 78 (41-37).

"Overall I would say that today was a pretty good day," concluded Schuldt. "I need to tighten up the irons a little more but other than that I made some great saves and put myself in great positions off the tee. This summer I have really focused on my short game and wedges and I can see that I'm progressing in those areas."

The U.S. Women's Amateur Championship will take place at the Nassau Country Club in Glen Cove, New York, from August 4-10.